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Campbell County, VA -
It may be the smallest elementary school in Campbell County, but the community support behind Gladys Elementary is as strong as any. Still, the school may not be around much longer. Campbell County school officials are facing a $4.5 million budget shortfall next year, and they're considering closing the school to make up a big chuck of it. Parents expressed a lot of concerns Monday night from more time spent taking children to other schools, to increased class sizes when they get there. They don't think it's fair for school officials to make their school a budget casualty.
Dr. George Nolley, Campbell County School Superintendent - "Give me a show a show of hands the ones who are connected with Gladys in one way or another. Extra chairs had to be brought in for the crowd of more than 150 who came to support Gladys Elementary. A few didn't even get one.”
Kathleen Mitchell, Has Children At Gladys Elementary - "There is not a person in this room that has not been touched by this recession. Tough times call for tough decisions."
And the Campbell County School Board is considering some tough cuts to balance next year's budget. The biggest chunk could come from cutting 27 teaching positions. They're also thinking about eliminating a transitional program for students between kindergarten and first grade. That would cut 8 more jobs.
Nolley - "Eighty percent of our budget is from salaries and benefits. So if you're going to cut money, you've got to take it from personnel."
Then there's Gladys Elementary. Cutting it would save more than $700,000, but it's a tough sell to parents who went to Gladys themselves.
Tina Walden, Daughter Goes To Gladys - "The teacher that my daughter has now for first grade was my first grade teacher. We've got excellent teachers and excellent staff. "
Connie Farris, Has Worked At Gladys 23 Years - "We're teaching and feeding the grandchildren and the great-grandchildren now, so that's kind of special."
The clear message from those who spoke Monday night: save money, but also save our school.
Walden - "My hope is they will make the adjustments across the board and not just eliminate one school in particular."
The board made no decisions on next year's budget Monday. They were just throwing out some ideas. One reason school officials say they're thinking about closing Gladys is because it costs more per student to operate than any other elementary school in Campbell County.
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